Author's Note: 10 Reasons Why People Cash Out IRAs Early

Not all money is created — or taxed — equally. This is a lesson that we all have to learn, hopefully not the hard way. If you decide to put money away for retirement in an IRA, 401(k) or other savings plan, it's best to think of that money as untouchable until you're at least 59 ½. As I learned from updating this list — and from my own life experience — it's very tempting to tap into our retirement savings to cover other reasonable or irrational expenses. But if we can keep our hands off our IRA, we'll keep the IRS off our backs and more funds for the future. – D.R.